More than 15 years after his death, Michael Jackson’s estate is still making headlines and still tied up in complex legal and financial issues. In Part 1 of this two-part series, Life’s Third Act breaks down how Jackson’s trust was structured, what went right, and what created ongoing complications. Joined by Mellany McDonald, Senior Litigation Attorney at Cordell & Cordell, the discussion uses Jackson’s estate as a real-world case study to explain how trusts actually function over time. From massive debt at the time of death to a dramatic financial turnaround, this episode explores how trusts operate not as static containers but as active, evolving entities that require strategy, management, and the right people in charge. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we dive deeper into the IRS battle and valuation disputes surrounding the estate.

Call 866-323-7529 or visit https://cordellcordell.com/practice-areas/estate-planning/ to schedule an estate planning consultation. For a limited time, mention LIFE’S THIRD ACT for 15% off eligible estate planning services!

In this episode of Life’s Third Act, we wrap up our two-part series on Robert Duvall by breaking down how his estate plan actually worked in practice. From trusts and LLCs to intellectual property management and real estate, we walk through the structures he used to protect his wealth, minimize conflict, and carry out his long-term goals. If Part 1 covered what he wanted to accomplish, Part 2 shows how he made it happen—and what you can learn from it when planning your own estate.

Call 866-323-7529 or visit https://cordellcordell.com/practice-areas/estate-planning/ to schedule an estate planning consultation. For a limited time, mention LIFE’S THIRD ACT for 15% off eligible estate planning services!

In this episode of Life’s Third Act, we take a closer look at the life and legacy of Robert Duvall—not just his career, but how he approached the later stages of life and estate planning.

With an estimated $70 million estate and no children, Duvall made intentional decisions about privacy, wealth management, and long-term legacy. From living outside Hollywood to structuring his assets through a trust, his approach offers a unique perspective on how to plan for life’s third act.

This episode explores what Duvall did right, what we can learn from his decisions, and why estate planning matters even when you don’t have direct heirs.

Call 866-323-7529 or visit https://cordellcordell.com/practice-areas/estate-planning/ to schedule an estate planning consultation. For a limited time, mention LIFE’S THIRD ACT for 15% off eligible estate planning services!